Minnesota is playing good football right now, which means a lot of guys are showing up individually. Here are a few that Michigan fans should be aware of heading into this afternoon's game.
The Michigan Wolverines are favored by 5.5 points over Minnesota in Minneapolis, which feels a little like a trap. The Gophers are playing well and coming off a huge road win over Washington, while Michigan is anxious to get back out there after losing a heartbreaker against Iowa in Ann Arbor. If Michigan is going to win on the road, the need to play a clean game and pay attention to these guys especially.
1. Drake Lindsey (QB, #5)
Lindsey is obviously Minnesota's starting signal caller and he has everything you look for in a quarterback. He's got great size at 6-5, 230 pounds, he can make all the throws, he's great at anticipating wide receivers and knowing where they're supposed to be and he's heady. He's a veteran guy and his play this year has him showing up on NFL Draft boards. He's the real deal and he'll hurt Michigan if the Wolverines can't get pressure.
2. Darius Taylor (RB, #1)
Taylor is the undisputed heart of the Minnesota offense. He's described as a dynamic, high-volume playmaker with exceptional vision and tackle-breaking ability. He's a guy that can carry it 30 times and can also make 5 or 6 catches out of the backfield. He's a do-it-all back who does a great job at setting the tone alongside Lindsey.
3. Javon Tracy (WR, #11)
Tracy has emerged as Lindsey's favorite target through four games. The 6-0, 205-pounder has made 24 catches for 281 yards and a touchdown. He's capable of making big catches downfield or turning short catches into long gains with elite run-after-the-catch ability. He's also extremely dynamic in the return game. Tracy already has two punt-return touchdowns on the season and is averaging more than 21 yards per return.
4. Anthony Smith (DL, #0)
Smith is the defensive cornerstone and a Preseason First-Team All American. He's got NFL Draft pick written all over him at 6-6, 280 pounds. Smith is one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the Big Ten, boasting over 30 career tackles for loss. Michigan's offensive tackles, who have been banged up and shuffled around, will have their hands full containing him.
5. Maverick Baranowski (LB, #6)
Smith is Minnesota's most talented and disruptive defender, but Baranowski is the heartbeat of PJ Fleck's defense. He's the spoken leader and leading tackler on the Gopher defense. He's a high-motor, hard-hitting linebacker who fills gaps aggressively and excels in run fits. He's rarely out of position and is always around the ball and in on most plays.
